Living from Eternity
Messages from Heaven
When I started writing on May 13, 2023, I wasn’t expecting company. Yet as my pen moved, I realized Judy was with me. I’ve seen her a few times since she passed — always with a notebook — and thought she was simply taking notes from what I said here on Earth. But that day was different. She was helping me write. She even highlighted words in blue, nudging me to speak differently, more honestly, more thoughtfully. I wasn’t expecting that kind of collaboration with heaven, but maybe love finds ways to continue.
That morning’s writing became the beginning of something much deeper — a conversation across eternity.
Counting the Cost of What Matters Most
We all want a good life, but the question is: what will it cost? Every decision carries a price tag. Is the thing we want more valuable than our family, health, or peace? Sometimes, the people we admire make sacrifices we could never imagine. And yet, faith can guide us through these choices, helping us know what’s worth holding on to.
Trusting the One Who Goes Before
God has spoken before — and I’ve heard Him. My life was planned, yet my decisions shaped where I’ve landed. Still, I see His hand behind every opportunity. When the mountains get in the way, He somehow clears a path. It’s why I trust Him another day to lead the way.
The Lord spoke the world into being — and He spoke me into being too. The mystery of our existence is vast, but it’s also deeply personal. Eternity isn’t far away; it’s running right alongside our daily lives, giving every moment meaning.
When Religion Fails and Grace Wins
I’ve learned that some people don’t grow by going to church — not because church isn’t good, but because self-righteousness gets in the way. Trying to “fix” yourself or prove your worth through effort misses the point. Real transformation happens when we hand over all our brokenness to Jesus and receive His gift of grace — no strings attached. That’s the moment we stop performing and start living “in Him.”
Lessons from Lonn
Later, Lonn joined the conversation. His words were simple but hit home:
“There’s no reverse in life. When we make mistakes, we can’t back up — we can only move forward. God will give us as many chances as we need, without condemnation.”
He was right. Life is a river — it keeps flowing. The only way is forward, with grace as our current.
He also reminded me that we continue our journey beyond this life. We don’t stop evolving when we die; we just keep becoming more of who God made us to be.
Father’s Day Reflections
When Father’s Day came, I found myself thinking about my own dad. He passed in 2001. Losing a father changes how you see the world — you realize how much you once saw life through his eyes. But eventually, you learn to see through your own.
My dad always said, “I’m from the sticks of Mississippi.” That shaped his lens. Mine is different. I’m Jim from East Peoria — a simple man who loves his wife, his work, and a quiet home. No illusions of grandeur. Just gratitude.
And I wonder what lens my kids will wear when they look at life. I just hope they’re true to themselves.
Judy’s Words from Eternity
Then Judy spoke again — her voice tender, full of understanding:
“When I left my broken body, I felt free — free from pain, disappointment, and misunderstanding. If I could tell my family one thing, it’s this: let go of what hurts, hold on to what heals. See the good in others. Speak life, because what you say will always find its way back to you.”
Then she looked toward Michelle:
“I’m proud of you. You’ve carried pain because of me, but I’m helping you heal — even now. Listen to your body, care for it, and know that God is still writing your story.”
She said she’s more active now, helping from the other side — more involved than she ever could be in her earthly body.
That thought both stunned and comforted me.
The Echo of Eternity
As I listened to these messages, I realized something: heaven isn’t a faraway place — it’s intertwined with this life. Those who’ve gone before us are not gone; they’re transformed. They’re still connected to us through love, prayer, and purpose.
We don’t have to wait for eternity to start.
Eternity is already here, running quietly alongside our time on Earth.
Final Thought
Maybe that’s the point of all of this — to live with eternity in mind.
To see our daily choices as sacred.
To trust that the ones we’ve lost are not lost at all, but cheering us on from the other side.
Love never dies. It just changes form.
And when we listen closely enough, we can still hear it speak.